Bill C‑20 Misses the Real Problem in Housing
Canada’s housing challenges are not the result of a lack of government effort. In fact, the opposite is true. Since 2019, the federal government has introduced or expanded roughly a dozen housing programs, layered on top of a $100‑billion National Housing Strategy. Despite that level of activity, Canadians are seeing fewer results where it actually matters—more homes and lower costs.
“The problem is not a lack of federal activity—it’s that this growing web of programs is not translating into the number of homes Canadians actually need.”
Greg McLean, M.P.
In my speech on Bill C‑20, I raised a straightforward concern: we are adding yet another layer of bureaucracy without addressing the real drivers of housing costs. The biggest factor is not a shortage of ideas or programs—it is the cost of building. Taxes, fees, regulations, delays, and constant changes to building codes all add cost, and those costs ultimately get passed directly onto Canadians.
We have also seen the consequences of top‑down policy approaches. In Ontario, policy decisions helped drive a wave of small, investor-focused condo builds that don’t match what many families actually need. In Calgary, a blanket rezoning approach failed to improve affordability and instead concentrated value in land markets, prompting a clear response from voters. These examples reinforce a basic point: policy needs to focus on outcomes, not intentions.
Bill C‑20 moves us further away from that goal. It expands the role of government, increases spending, and adds complexity—without clear targets or accountability. At a time when Canadians are already stretched, including paying thousands annually just to service federal debt, we should be focused on lowering costs, improving efficiency, and ensuring real results. That is the approach I will continue to advocate for.
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